Pundits Analyze Vikings Disappointing Loss to…

Chad Graff of The Athletic analyzed Minnesota’s alarming offensive performance in his game recap, noting Minnesota’s seemingly inability to push the ball down the field.

They’re a group that disappears for long stretches, like their three straight three-and-outs in the second half. It’s an offense that has turned Cousins into a checkdown machine, one who completed more passes to fullback C.J. Ham on Sunday than star receiver Justin Jefferson.

Cousins’ passes traveled an average of 4.5 yards past the line of scrimmage Sunday. Cooper Rush’s passes averaged more than double that.

“I think it was a combination of coverage and pressure,” Cousins said explaining the stat.

What does that mean? Who knows? It doesn’t matter.

The Vikings, it seems, are out of answers for how a once-fearsome offense has turned into one that trips over its own feet while constantly aiming shy of a first down. The only predictable part of this unit is the ways in which it’ll fail. When it’s third-and-10, look for a 6-yard checkdown to the tight end. Need 4 yards? How about a 2-yard pass to the fullback? That’s how you finish 1-for-13 on third downs with the only conversion coming on the opening drive. After that first possession, Cousins had eight third-down throws. He didn’t pass beyond the sticks a single time.

Graff noted that the Vikings are built to have success on paper, with the likes of Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook and others.

But the unit seems stuck in the mud right now, something that will need to change with the Ravens, Chargers and Packers coming up on the schedule.

Graff’s full breakdown of Minnesota’s offense can be found here.